Keith Emerson has died aged 71.
The news was confirmed by his former band Emerson, Lake And Palmer.
“We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles,” the band wrote on their Facebook page.
“We ask that the family’s privacy and grief be respected.”
Former bandmate Carl Palmer wrote on Facebook: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson.
“Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come.
“He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.
“I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humor, compelling showmanship, and dedication to his musical craft. I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did, together.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RSRoM_fc9I
Emerson came to prominence in The Nice, formed in 1967. He co-founded ELP in 1970.
Their key albums included 1970’s self-titled debut, 1972’s Trilogy, and 1973’s Brain Salad Surgery.
ELP broke up in 1979, although the band’s members continued to tour in various iterations over the years.
Emerson Lake and Palmer last performed together in 2010, when they staged a 40th anniversary reunion at the High Voltage Festival in London.
Emerson also released several solo albums and scored movies including 1980’s Inferno and 1984’s Murder Rock.
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